Remaps hurt voters (Editorial)

The Illinois Constitution allows politicians to redraw legislative and congressional district maps every 10 years after the census is taken.

Because politicians control the process, the ones in power blatantly use it to their advantage.

In 2001, Republicans controlled congressional redistricting, while Democrats controlled legislative redistricting. Both processes produced crazily drawn maps that herded voters into odd-shaped districts to give each side maximum political advantage.

In 2011, Democrats controlled redistricting, as the party held the Legislature and governor’s mansion. The maps they drew, approved, and signed into law had their first tryout in last week’s primary.

Boy, did those maps have the intended effect – minimizing competition, protecting the party in power, and creating havoc for political foes.